FCC chair Ajit Pai also talked about the decision, saying that no longer making those entities spend on keeping paper copies around when the rules are just a click away is another dollar that can be spent on providing better public service.

He also reiterated that at each monthly meeting he would tee up at least one similar item eliminating an unnecessary regulation. He has long pledged to take a regulatory weed whacker to what he called regulatory undergrowth.

Pai noted that the commission had changed and gave a shout-out to new commissioners Carr, a former Pai aide, and Rosenworcel, a former commissioner making a return engagement.

Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said she remained skeptical of the overarching goal of regulatory "modernization," but said she agreed with this particular change.